Latest news with #MelvinCordell
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Deming couple accused of child abuse held without bond
DEMING, N.M. (KRQE) – A Deming couple accused of physically and sexually abusing their eight children and making them live in filthy conditions will remain in custody until trial. Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Jennifer DeLaney granted the state's motions to hold Melvin Cordell and his wife, Valerie Cordell, without bond in the Luna County Detention Center as they await trial. Story continues below DWI Scandal: Another BCSO deputy placed on leave in connection to DWI dismissals National: Federal judge rules Trump must reinstate many fired federal employees Politics: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announces intention to run for reelection Melvin Cordell, 50, pleaded not guilty to 24 charges of sexual assault and child abuse. Valerie Cordell, 41, is facing 18 charges. Investigators believe the Cordells also allowed other people to sexually abuse their children, whose ages range from 16 years old to 6 months, and photograph the kids naked in the shower, according to court documents. The couple's oldest child told investigators that she got pregnant twice and had 'unwanted sex' with her father and at least one other adult relative. She also claimed that her parents starved the kids as punishment. The Sixth Judicial District Attorney's Office said in a news release that the children lived outside, year-round, sleeping on a mattress in a semi-underground cave with 4 to 6-foot tunnels, or in broken-down vehicles. Officials believe the abuse took place between 2014 and 2024 on a 35-acre property on Opatah Drive NW. Investigators wrote in the criminal complaint that the property resembled a landfill as it was filled with trash, buckets of feces, soiled clothes, rotting food, broken appliances, and more. Valerie and Melvin Cordell were arrested on Feb. 21, 2025, and booked into the Luna County Detention Center. New Mexico State Police began investigating the Cordells in October 2024 after the couple's 16-year-old daughter reported the abuse while at the New Mexico National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Roswell. The children were placed in protective custody with the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
Deming couple arrested on multiple child abuse and sex crime charges
DEMING, New Mexico (KMID/KPEJ)- A Deming couple is facing multiple child abuse and sex crime charges following an investigation by the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau that began in October 2024. According to officials, the investigation began on October 23, after a report was filed with the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), alleging abuse involving several children. Investigators discovered that multiple minors were subjected to unsafe living conditions, including being forced to sleep outdoors, placing their health and safety at risk. Evidence also indicated that at least one child had been sexually abused. Following the investigation, 50-year-old Melvin Cordell and 41-year-old Valerie Cordell were identified as suspects. Both individuals were arrested on February 21, 2025, and booked into the Luna County Detention Center. Charges against the suspects include 16 counts of child abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit child abuse for Valerie Cordell. Meanwhile, Melvin Cordell is charged with 16 counts of child abuse, two counts of criminal sexual penetration, one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor, and one count of conspiracy to commit child abuse. The New Mexico State Police reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, by holding offenders accountable and pursuing justice. 'The New Mexico State Police is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all New Mexicans by enforcing the law and upholding justice to create safer communities. We place strong emphasis on protecting our most vulnerable citizens, especially children—by vigorously pursuing those who commit crimes against them and ensuring they receive the justice and protection they deserve,' officials wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
New Mexico State Police: Deming couple arrested for child abuse, sex crimes
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A Deming couple was arrested on Friday, Feb. 21, for the alleged child abuse of multiple children and other sex crimes, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) said. NMSP said Valerie Cordell, 41, was charged with 16 counts of child abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit child abuse. Melvin Cordell, 50, was charged with 16 counts of child abuse, two counts of criminal sexual penetration, one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor, and one count of conspiracy to commit child abuse. The couple was arrested on Friday, and booked into the Luna County Detention Center, NMSP said. NMSP said agents learned that a report was made to the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) regarding 'abuse of a child and multiple siblings.' Throughout the investigation, agents learned that multiple children were living in 'horrific conditions,' and sleeping outdoors, creating a risk to their health and safety, NMSP said. NMSP said the investigation also revealed that at least one of the children was sexually abused. 'The New Mexico State Police is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all New Mexicans by enforcing the law and upholding justice to create safer communities,' read the news release. 'We place strong emphasis on protecting our most vulnerable citizens, especially children — by vigorously pursuing those who commit crimes against them and ensuring they receive the justice and protection they deserve.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
